Marshall’s Character defined him as an individual who could be trusted by colleagues, subordinates and superiors alike. His strong character is one reason why Congress supported his many requests for funding and superiors listened to his thoughtful, yet strong arguments.

Speaking before the Institute for Honor in 2005, Brig. Gen. Casey Brower said, “Optimism, stamina, love of one’s soldiers, determination, and loyalty were qualities for Marshall that distinguished successful officers from the common pack. They were the solid qualities on which a commander could depend, qualities that would make a large organization function effectively, qualities that would be the bedrock of readiness.”

“Finally, Marshall valued loyalty enormously as a leadership virtue,” he said. “The most successful officers, in his view, made ‘a point of extreme loyalty, in thought and deed, both to their superiors personally and to one’s efforts to execute their superior’s plans or policies.’ There could be no role for individual ego in a soldier’s respect for superior authority, Marshall counseled. Indeed, ‘The less you agree with the policies of your superiors, the more energy you must direct to their accomplishment,'” said Marshall.